Amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall to remove amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac in order to assess fetal health or maturity. It is usually offered after 15 weeks of pregnancy to check for genetic disorders or infections if other tests indicate risks. The amniotic fluid is then tested for markers of genetic conditions, lung maturity, infections, and other properties to evaluate the health of the unborn baby and presence of any disorders or complications. While generally safe, there are small risks of miscarriage, infection, or injury to the baby from the procedure.

1. AMNIOCENTESIS
Presented by,
Teena Jose
Ist M.Sc nursing
Holy Cross college of
nursing,kottiyam

2. DEFINITION
A procedure for removing amniotic
fluid from the amniotic sac by
inserting a needle through the
abdominal wall usually to assess fetal
health or maturity.

3. INDICATIONS
• If have had a baby with a chromosome,
genetic condition or other disorder in a
previous pregnancy.
• If the mother or father has, a genetic
disorder, or are carriers for a genetic
disorder
• If there is a history of certain genetic
conditions in the family.

4. • If other tests during pregnancy have
raised the possibility that the baby has a
chromosome disorder such as Down's
syndrome.
• To look for any signs of infection if
membranes have ruptured early.
• To assess the maturity of the lungs of the
developing baby.
• To identify if the baby is at risk of
developing rhesus disease

5. TIMING OF THE PROCEDURE
• Amniocentesis is usually offered after 15
completed weeks of pregnancy (most
commonly between 15-18 weeks). This is
because it has been shown to be safest at
this stage of pregnancy.

6. PROCEDURE

7. TESTS THAT CARRIED OUT
• Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
• Bilirubin Determination
• Chromosome Analysis
• Color
• Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio

8. COMPLICATIONS
Miscarriage
Infection
Injury to the developing baby
Rhesus disease in the developing baby

9. THANK YOU…
THANK YOU……